Detroit Free Press Staff

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HBO crews were in the Red Wings’ locker room and on the ice at the Joe on Thursday to begin taping “24/7,” the four-part series that will lead up to their Winter Classic game against the Maple Leafs on Jan. 1 at Michigan Stadium.

The first episode airs at 10 p.m. Dec. 14.

Did Justin Abdelkader feel comfortable with cameras and microphones surrounding him as he changed in and out of his gear?

“Not really,” Abdelkader said. “It’s not like I’ve been waiting for the day. But, hopefully the episodes will be cool to watch.”

This is the third time HBO has done the behind-the-scenes show and, remember, it is pay cable: The language has been quite frank.

Asked what he thought about the “24/7” invasion, coach Mike Babcock said rather tongue-in-cheek: “I relish it.”

He quickly added: “They believe it’s a big seller for the game. So, if it’s good for the game, I’m all about the game.”